Sinn Féin - On Your Side

Caranua must clarify if redress funds have been used to rent office space – Nolan

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education and Skills, Teachta
Carol Nolan, has today called on Caranua to clarify if the body has used funds
from the Redress Fund to rent office space without approval from the Minister.
Teachta Nolan was speaking before the matter is due to be discussed in the Dáil
on Wednesday.

Teachta Nolan said:

“The legislation clearly states that Caranua can only enter
into contracts with the consent of the Minister.

“Media commentary this morning suggests that Caranua has
agreed to pay over €100,000 of redress funds for survivors on a new lease for
office space.

“If true, this would contradict statements given to the PAC
that no funds from survivors have been used for office space.

“There have been several issues raised by survivors in relation
to difficulties in accessing redress from Caranua and it will be a slap in the
face for them to find out that significant funds have been paid on office space
without approval.

“Caranua must now immediately clarify if they
have agreed to pay for a new lease out of funds designated for the benefit of
survivors, the amount of money paid, if the Minister is aware of this agreement,
and if the Minister gave approval for the agreement.”